What’s it all about?
Imagine watching a really entertaining documentary. In Las Vegas. On acid.
Okay, you’re not going to see any dragons or find yourself in a miniature replica of Paris, but Sinatra: The Man & His Music is a humongous and bold project that has all the razzle dazzle, expense and ambition of a Las Vegas show. And seeing Frank Sinatra 20 foot tall in front of you? That ain’t no hallucination.
Director David Gilmore has shunned the relatively new ‘theatrical concert’ genre’s usual set-up, where actors and singers replicate the artist’s performances, and instead uses a 21st century mix of projections, film, stunning photography and aforementioned performances by Sinatra himself shown on vast screens to enable the legend to serenade and narrate us through the story of his life.
Who’s in it?
A mere combination of old clips and family albums would be lacking a certain je ne sais quoi, but the sensational 25-piece orchestra displayed proudly at the top of the stage like Disney’s Fantasia and the 20 jiving, Lindy Hopping, balletic dancers certainly bring it in spades.
What should I look out for?
It’s more like what you can’t help but stare out for. The dancers perform underneath Sinatra and while it may essentially just be old footage – albeit accompanied live by an incredible orchestra – in any medium, Ol’ Blue Eyes has still got it. He’s magnetic and as he stares directly down at you, it’s hard to tear your eyes off him and give the dancers the attention they deserve.
Who was in the press night crowd?
Daughter Nancy Sinatra – wearing some sturdy boots definitely made for walking you’ll be pleased to hear – came up on stage to make a tearful curtain call speech of thanks to the captivated audience.
In a nutshell?
Fall in love with Sinatra all over again as sensational live music, dazzling original footage and a jiving company provide a sweeping but entertaining overview of one of history’s most influential musicians.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Sinatra at the Palladium was fabulous! Great music, dancing , production. See it if in London! Wonderful tribute to Mr. Sinatra.
— Maureen Van Zandt (@MVZaGoGo) July 20, 2015
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Will I like it?
If you’re a diehard Sinatra fan then yes, of course. For the rest of you, this isn’t going to rock your world if you expect an in-depth – and unbiased – history of the man or a musical theatre narrative. But go expecting storming live orchestrations, dazzling original footage and a sweeping overview of one of the most influential musician’s journeys to stardom and you’re sure to have an entertaining evening.
Sinatra: The Man & His Music is playing at the London Palladium until 10 October. You can book tickets through us here.